Month: October 2024

From the beginning of Manchester Proud, our goal has been to create exceptional public schools. This started in 2017 with our work in the Manchester School District’s Strategic Plan.  The district uses this as a guide for goal setting in current and future work. Manchester Proud has continued to work on a variety of projects and are excited to report the following have been successfully completed. 

• Career Connected Learning, an initiative to create opportunities for students within the Manchester School District to connect with potential future careers. This began as a partnership between Manchester Proud, business and community partners, and the Manchester School District. This initiative now has been transferred into a full-time position within the Manchester School District. Manchester Proud continues to partner with the district in making connections to business and community partners. 

• The Compass has recently gone through a total remodel and merge with Manchester Proud’s general website. The intention with this is to eliminate confusion with the separate domains to continue connecting community members with resources from our community partners. We took this opportunity as a way to make the Compass more accessible adding in additional filtering options and the ability to translate the site. Visit the Compass here.

• Opportunity Portfolio is an initiative that began in the Spring of 2024, the opportunity portfolio is a publication that will be published twice a year by Manchester Proud. The portfolio is a physical version of the Compass, the first publication of the school year sharing school-year opportunities for community members and the second publication of the school year sharing summer opportunities for community members. This portfolio will be shared with all educators within the district and community partners. See the latest version here. 

• Proud Moments is a campaign that came from our Communications Strategic Plan to engage our community positively with the Manchester School District. This campaign aims to share moments from the Manchester School District that are encouraging, we go to interview the nominee and share about their story on social media and in our newsletter. This campaign contributed to our 1,700% social media growth in one year. Submit a nomination for a Proud Moment here.

• Federal Community Schools Grant is a 5-year federal grant that the Manchester School District was awarded, Manchester Proud is the lead community organization on this grant. This grant connects Gossler Park Elementary School and Beech Street Elementary School with community partners to offer resources to the students inside of the school. This grant is in the first year, but is off to a great start with two full-time Community School Facilitators inside the schools. This is the first time any community in New Hampshire has been awarded this grant.

As our Champion’s Council looks to refocus on what is next for Manchester Proud, we are proud of all that we have accomplished and look forward to the next steps in making exceptional public schools. ONWARD!

On the evening of October 29, 2024, Gossler Park Elementary School hosted a Positive Parenting class as part of the Community Schools Federal Grant awarded to the district. The session was facilitated by Gossler Park’s social worker, Stephanie Emmons, and guidance counselor, Jessica Deshaies, and focused on equipping parents with positive parenting strategies in an engaging, collaborative setting.

Typically structured as a seven-week course, the session was condensed into a one-hour overview, covering essential topics in positive parenting: building relationships, understanding behaviors, setting routines and making choices, developing coping strategies, using logical consequences, and creating actionable parenting plans. Emmons emphasized the foundational importance of relationships in parenting, likening them to the base of a house: “Relationships are like the foundation of a house; you have to build that first,” she noted, underscoring the necessity of establishing strong, trust-based connections with children before other tools can be effectively applied.

Parents had the opportunity to connect their personal experiences to the tools and topics discussed, sharing anecdotes about their children and relating to each strategy in a practical, meaningful way. The use of consistent language both at home and in school was highlighted, promoting a cohesive approach between school and family.

For those unable to attend the October 29 session, Gossler Park Elementary will offer another Positive Parenting class on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm, providing another opportunity for parents to engage in these essential discussions and learn new ways to foster healthy, positive relationships with their children.Thank you, Angela Leach, Gossler Park Elementary School’s Community Schools Facilitator for her coordination of this event. If any Gossler Gator parents are interested in the Friday class, please reach out to aleach@mansd.org

The new school year at Beech Elementary School has kicked off with excitement and a strong focus on community, student well-being, and engagement, marking a promising start to the 2024-2025 academic year. From innovative student support programs to increased parental engagement and a dedicated staff, Beech Elementary is creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for its students, staff, and families. An example of this can be found in the lobby, a display creating a friendly competition among grade levels to encourage attendance. 

A Sanctuary for Students: Kerry Crow’s Counseling Room

Kerry Crow, Beech’s dedicated school counselor, has transformed her counseling room into a serene and supportive space for students who need a break during the day. With her room resembling a peaceful oasis, complete with a swing, sensory toys, beautiful art, and a sensory station offering three different paths for self-regulation, Kerry’s space has quickly become a haven. “My biggest goal is to make space for students who were dysregulated,” she shared. This commitment to helping students manage their emotions and find calm reflects her deep dedication to student well-being.

In her sixth year at Beech, where she spent three years as a Kindergarten teacher before stepping into her role as counselor, Kerry continues to provide invaluable support. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here in education,” she says, demonstrating her passion for fostering a caring environment where every student can thrive.

Welcoming New Staff and Students from Wilson Elementary

Following the closure of Wilson Elementary School, Beech Street Elementary has welcomed a number of Wilson’s staff and students. The transition has been thoughtfully planned to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for everyone. Efforts to build a cohesive staff community began last year, with Beech inviting Wilson staff to their holiday events, fostering a spirit of unity. For students, the adjustment to new routines and procedures has been an essential focus, with Beech’s supportive environment helping them to adapt and settle in.

Principal Kelly Newman, a former Beech teacher herself, has been instrumental in guiding this process. Her deep connection with Beech’s families and her commitment to students, families, and staff alike make her an inspiring leader during this time of change.

Successful Parent Engagement Night on Growth Mindset

Engaging families in student success is a priority at Beech, and the recent Parent Engagement Night, focused on Growth Mindset, was a resounding success. Over 120 people attended, including 65 students accompanied by parents. The event featured center activities, “growth mindset ninjas,” and interactive workshops to help parents understand and reinforce the growth mindset language used at Beech to foster positive behavior. The high turnout highlights the school community’s enthusiasm for collaborative student growth.

Looking ahead, the next family engagement event will be a paint night in December, where families can participate in a guided painting session led by Beech’s talented art teacher. These events build bonds within the community, creating memorable experiences for students and families alike.

Empowering Fourth Graders through the Student Council

This year marks the second year of Beech’s Student Council, now exclusively for fourth-grade students. A total of 19 students were elected after a rigorous application process involving campaign speeches and written statements about their contributions. The council meets during lunch to plan activities, help with family engagement events, and support new students, fostering a sense of leadership and school pride. Last year, the Student Council’s major project was a “Caring Closet” initiative, and this year, they are set to determine a new large-scale project that aligns with Beech’s values.

Kerry Crow emphasized the importance of giving students a sense of ownership in their school community: “Kids having buy-in at school is important.” In addition to project planning, the council also helps teach practical skills, such as inventory management and cash handling, through activities like selling ice cream at the end of the year.

Balancing Changes with Community Spirit

Beech Elementary has made it a priority to balance the increase in students and staff from Wilson Elementary with the school’s own needs. While Beech has gained new students, they’ve also seen changes in grade levels, now with five to six teachers per grade to support this balance. The school’s administration team, led by Principal Newman, is committed to making this a welcoming transition for all involved, reinforcing Beech’s values of support, compassion, and resilience.

As the 2024-2025 school year continues, Beech Elementary remains a beacon of community-centered education, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure a positive experience for all students and families. With innovative support systems, a welcoming approach to change, and a focus on student and family engagement, Beech Elementary is off to a fantastic start, ready to build a memorable and impactful year ahead.

The Compass School Year Resource Guide 2024-2025 is live!

This resource guide was made in collaboration with the Manchester School District and community partners to create a physical compass for the 2024-2025 school year. This guide acts as a one stop shop to Manchester School District resources as well as resources that cover: basic needs, career connected learning, early childhood services, expanded learning time, health and wellness, and more!

All schools will receive physical copies and any community partners interested in a copy, please reach out to lauren@manchesterproud.org

We are excited to announce that we will have an intern this Fall and Winter! Kaydence is a Senior atand is a recent recipient of the CelebratED Game Changers award.

Kaydence will be working alongside our Community Communications Director on our social media and marketing efforts.

From Kaydence, “Hi I’m Kaydence, a senior at Manchester School of Technology, who is looking to pursue a career in Business and Marketing in the future. Although, I am also planning on taking a GAP year before going into college in order to travel and chase my interests. I am inspired to learn new cultures and views from all around the world and am someone who enjoys writing and learning new skills, so I am looking forward to this internship. Thank you to Manchester Proud for this opportunity.”

Join us in welcoming Kaydence to the team!

Last week, the Manchester School District’s Family Welcome Center at French Hall was bustling with the energy of collaboration and possibility. In its cozy and welcoming Compass Room, 21st Century, a district program designed to extend learning time for elementary and middle school students, hosted a meeting with various community partners to explore potential partnerships.

The 21st Century program is a vital part of the Manchester School District, offering students three key time blocks: academics, enrichment activities that broaden student experiences, and family engagement opportunities. These structured blocks provide a well-rounded experience for students, ensuring not only academic growth but also personal and social development, along with strong family connections.

The meeting in the Compass Room was more than just a conversation—it was a brainstorming session filled with innovative ideas on how community partners can support the program. There was also discussion on how 21st Century can connect its participants to the resources and opportunities offered by these community partners. By facilitating these exchanges, 21st Century hopes to expand the reach of its program and create more enriching experiences for its students.

This gathering was a clear demonstration of how the Compass Room serves as both a resource hub for families and a comfortable environment for community collaboration. The space encourages meaningful discussions and partnership-building, which is key to enhancing the overall student and family experience in Manchester. 

As 21st Century continues to grow, this meeting serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the potential that exists when we come together to support our community. The Compass Room, a physical and symbolic space for guidance, is helping chart the path forward for stronger partnerships and a brighter future for Manchester’s students.

Thank you to the community partners in attendance who participated in this conversation, Manchester School District Community School’s facilitators, Scouting America Daniel Webster Council, Center for New Americans, Friends of Aine, UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center INC., Girls Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, Access Academy, Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Amoskeag Health.